Protective pad assembly including inner member and outer protective pad releasably attachable thereto

ABSTRACT

A protective pad assembly for removably positioning on an arm or a leg of a user of the protective pad assembly for protecting an elbow or a knee of the user. The protective pad assembly comprises an inner member adapted to be positioned adjacent the elbow or the knee of the user so as to encircle the arm or the leg of the user, at least inner securing component mounted to the inner member, an outer protective pad adapted to be positioned over the elbow or the knee of the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee of the user, and at least one outer securing component mounted to the outer protective pad. The at least one outer securing component is releasably attachable to the at least one inner securing component. The outer protective pad is configured to be disposed over the inner member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplications Ser. No. 62/984,169 filed Mar. 2, 2020 and Ser. No.62/984,922 filed Mar. 4, 2020, both by Picone et al., which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties and to whichpriority is claimed

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to protective cushioning devices ingeneral and, more particularly, to a protective pad assembly includingan inner member with securing components and an outer protective padreleasably attachable thereto for protecting a user's knee and/or elbowjoints.

2. Description of the Related Art

Typically, protective pads or cushioning devices, such as kneepads orelbow pads, are attached to a body part of a user over a garment byvarious methods including belt straps, clips, wraps, elastic stretching,glues, tapes or adhesives. A common drawback of prior art methods offastening such products is that they become uncomfortable to the user(wearer) during prolonged usage do to binding, burning and/or chaffing,which may result in irritation to the skin and limb tingling andbruising which is brought on by constriction of the blood vessels. Forexample, FIG. 1 shows a known kneepad 1 utilizing straps 3 and 4 tofasten the kneepad 1 to a knee (or knee area) 7 of a leg 6 of a user.The leg 6 of the user includes an upper portion (or thigh portion) 6 aand a lower portion 6 b separated by the knee 7. The strap 3 wrapsaround the upper portion 6 a of the leg 6, and a strap 4 wraps aroundthe lower portion 6 b of the leg 6, or above and below the knee 7, asillustrated in FIG. 1. A drawback of such fastening straps 3 and 4 isthat they can cause discomfort to the user (wearer) and constriction ofblood vessels during prolonged usage, eventually leading to bruisingand/or skin irritation. Specifically, the straps 3 and 4 causeconstriction of the blood vessels and eventually may cut and chafe thethigh portion 6 a and the calf portion 6 b, respectively. Also,occasionally, strapped knee pads failing to stay in place, andultimately get loose and start to move and fall down on the leg.

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of a kneepad assembly 10 disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 7,712,150 attached to pants (or trousers) 2. Thekneepad assembly 10 includes a flexible inner member 12 in the form of abase cushion made of an impact absorbing material disposed inside thepants 2, and an outer member 14 in the form of a protective cushion madeof an impact absorbing material disposed outside the pants 2. Securingdevices use magnetic attraction to attach the outer member 14 and theinner member 12 to each other and to the pants 2. Each securing deviceincludes an inner magnetically attractive element 16 attached to theinner member 12, and an outer magnetically attractive element 18attached to the outer member 14. A drawback to the use of magneticallyattractive elements 16 and 18 is that the elements 16 and 18 potentiallycan slide relative to the garment during use.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a protective pad assembly 20 in the form of aninner pad 22 to be disposed inside the pants 2 for being positioned overan elbow area or a knee 7 of a user (or wearer) 2, and an outer member24 in the form of an elastic removable outer elastic band disposedoutside a garment in alignment with the inner pad 22. The inner pad 22further comprises a securing device 26 provided for releasably attachingto a securing device 28 of the removable outer elastic band 24, thusreleasably attaching the inner pad 22 and the outer elastic band 24 toeach other through the material of the pants 2.

In the kneepad assemblies of FIGS. 2 and 3A-3C the protective pads areattached solely to the pants and rely on the integrity of the pants anda position the pants are at when the pads are attached. However, as theuser moves and changes position, the material of the pants also movesand stretches in different directions, such as up or down or sideways,and ultimately changes the position of the protective pad from theoriginal setting. It may become uncomfortable for the user to berequired to make frequent readjustments of the protective pad toreposition it for comfort.

Other known protective pad assemblies have the drawback of requiringpermanent alterations to the garment fabric and/or damaging the garmentfabric, such as by requiring or creating holes in the garment fabric inorder to attain proper attachment.

Therefore, there is a need for a protective pad assembly that overcomesdrawbacks and shortcomings of the prior art, enhances its performanceand advances the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a protective pad assembly forremovably positioning on an arm or a leg of a user the protective padassembly for protecting an elbow or a knee of the user. The protectivepad assembly comprises an inner member adapted to be positioned adjacentthe elbow or the knee of the user so as to encircle the arm or the legof the user, at least an inner securing component mounted to the innermember, an outer protective pad adapted to be positioned over the elbowor the knee of the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee of theuser, and at least one outer securing component mounted to the outerprotective pad. The at least one outer securing component is releasablyattachable to the at least one inner securing component. The outerprotective pad is configured to be disposed over the inner member.

The protective pad assembly in accordance with the present inventionmakes the wearing of protective pad assembly more comfortable andreduces, if not eliminates, the risk of blood clots and nerve damage dueto the strangulation effect of straps tightly pulled around user's limb.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part ofthe specification. The drawings, together with the general descriptiongiven above and the detailed description of the exemplary embodimentsand methods given below, serve to explain the principles of theinvention. The objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from a study of the following specification when viewed inlight of the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are given thesame or analogous reference numerals. In these drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a knee pad assembly with straps of the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a knee pad assembly of the prior art withmagnetically attractive elements attaching a knee pad to a pants;

FIGS. 3A-3C are various views of a knee pad assembly of the prior artincluding an inner pad and elastic band for attaching the inner pad tothe pants;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a protective pad assembly inaccordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present inventionmounted to a leg of a user wearing shorts;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a sleeve unit of the protective padassembly in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention mounted to the leg of the user wearing the shorts;

FIG. 6 A is a rear elevation view of an outer protective pad unit of theprotective pad assembly in accordance with the first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 B is a rear elevation view of the outer protective pad unit ofthe protective pad assembly in accordance with the first exemplaryembodiment showing only one of the elastic band members;

FIG. 7A is a right elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance withthe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a left elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance withthe first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a front view of an inner securing component of the sleeveunit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8B is a rear view of the inner securing component in accordancewith the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the inner securing component in accordancewith the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10A is a front view of the sleeve units in accordance with thefirst exemplary embodiment mounted to the user's legs;

FIG. 10B is a rear view of the sleeve units in accordance with the firstexemplary embodiment mounted to the user's legs;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an outer protective pad of the outerprotective pad unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 11B is a front view of the outer protective pad in accordance withthe first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11C is a rear view of the outer protective pad in accordance withthe first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12A is a front view of an outer securing component of the outerprotective pad unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12B is a rear view of the outer securing component of the outerprotective pad unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the outer securing component of the outerprotective pad unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the outer securing component inaccordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the sleeve unit of the protective padassembly in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention mounted to a leg of the user wearing pants;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the protective pad assembly in accordancewith the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted toa leg of the user wearing the pants and under the pants;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the protective pad assembly in accordancewith the first exemplary embodiment with the sleeve unit mounted to aleg of the user wearing the pants and under the pants, and the outerprotective pad mounted over the pants;

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the outer protective pad with theouter securing components in accordance with the first exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 18B is a perspective view of an outer protective cap of the outerprotective pad unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18C is a perspective view of the outer protective pad unit inaccordance with the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a rear view of the outer protective cap in accordance withthe first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the outer protective pad/outerprotective cap in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the outer protective pad/outerprotective cap in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 22A is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly withthe outer protective cap in accordance with the first exemplaryembodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing shorts;

FIG. 22B is a sectional view of the protective pad assembly inaccordance with the first exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of theuser wearing the pants with the outer protective pad and the outerprotective cap mounted over the pants;

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the protective pad assembly inaccordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present inventionmounted to a leg of the user wearing shorts;

FIG. 23B is a rear perspective view of the protective pad assembly inaccordance with the first exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of theuser wearing the pants with the outer protective pad and the outerprotective cap mounted over the pants;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a protective pad assembly in accordancewith a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to aleg of a user wearing shorts;

FIG. 25A is a right elevation view of a sleeve unit in accordance withthe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25B is a left elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance withthe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26A is a front elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance withthe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26B is a rear elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance withthe second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a side elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance withthe second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing theshorts;

FIG. 28 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly inaccordance with the second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of theuser wearing the shorts with the outer protective pad mounted to the legof the user wearing shorts;

FIG. 29 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly inaccordance with the second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of theuser wearing the shorts with the outer protective pad/outer protectivecap mounted to a leg of the user wearing the shorts;

FIG. 30 is a sectional view of the sleeve unit in accordance with thesecond exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing thepants with the sleeve unit mounted to a leg of the user under the pants;

FIG. 31 is a sectional view of the protective pad assembly in accordancewith the second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the userwearing the pants with the outer protective pad mounted to a leg of theuser under the pants;

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of the protective pad assembly in accordancewith the second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the userwearing the pants with the outer protective pad mounted to a leg of theuser over the pants;

FIG. 33 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly inaccordance with the second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of theuser wearing the pants with the outer protective pad/outer protectivecap mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a band unit in accordance with a thirdexemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of theuser wearing shorts;

FIG. 35A is a right elevation view of the band unit in accordance withthe third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35B is a left elevation view of the band unit in accordance withthe third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a top view of the band unit in accordance with the thirdexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a side elevation view of the band unit in accordance with thethird exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing thepants with the band unit mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;

FIG. 38 is a side elevation view of a protective pad assembly inaccordance with the third exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of theuser wearing the pants with the outer protective pad mounted to a leg ofthe user over the pants;

FIG. 39 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly inaccordance with the third exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of theuser wearing the pants with the outer protective pad/outer protectivecap mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of an adjustable band in accordance with afourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg ofthe user wearing shorts;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the adjustable band in accordance withthe fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a closedposition;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the adjustable band in accordance withthe fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an openposition;

FIG. 43 is a side elevation view of the adjustable band in accordancewith the fourth exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the userwearing the pants with the band unit mounted to a leg of the user overthe pants;

FIG. 44 is a side elevation view of a protective pad assembly inaccordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of theuser wearing the pants with the outer protective pad mounted to a leg ofthe user over the pants;

FIG. 45 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly inaccordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of theuser wearing the pants with the outer protective pad/outer protectivecap mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a protective pad assembly in accordancewith a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to aleg of the user wearing pants;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of an adjustable band in accordance withthe fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a legof the user wearing shorts;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the adjustable band in accordance withthe fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a closedposition;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the adjustable band in accordance withthe fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an openposition;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of an outer protective unit in accordancewith the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 51A is an inner perspective view of an outer securing component ofthe outer protective unit in accordance with the fifth exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 51B is an outer perspective view of the outer securing component ofthe outer protective unit in accordance with the fifth exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 52 is a right elevation view of an inner support unit in accordancewith a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 53 is a left elevation view of the inner support unit in accordancewith an alternative variant to the sixth exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 54A is an inner perspective view of an inner securing component ofthe inner support unit in accordance with the sixth exemplary embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 54B is an outer view of the inner securing component of the innersupport unit in accordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 55 is a perspective rear view of an outer protective unit inaccordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 56A is an inner perspective view of an outer securing component ofthe outer protective unit in accordance with the sixth exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 56B is an outer perspective view of the outer securing component ofthe outer protective unit in accordance with the sixth exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 57A shows a female snap member sewn to a fabric patch of the innersupport unit and a male snap member to the elastic band member inaccordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 57B shows a female snap member crimped to a fabric patch of theinner support unit and a male snap member to the elastic band member inaccordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of an outer protective pad in accordancewith a seventh exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 59A shows an outer surface an adjustable outer member of the outerprotective pad in accordance with the seventh exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 59B shows an inner surface the adjustable outer member of the outerprotective pad in accordance with the seventh exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 60 shows an adjusting buckle of the outer protective pad inaccordance with the seventh exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of an outer protective pad in accordancewith an eighth exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 62A shows an outer surface an adjustable outer member of the outerprotective pad in accordance with the eighth exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 62B shows an inner surface the adjustable outer member of the outerprotective pad in accordance with the eighth exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 63 shows a sliding bar buckle of the outer protective pad inaccordance with the eighth exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of an outer protective pad in accordancewith a ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a band unit in accordance with theninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg ofthe user wearing shorts;

FIG. 66 is a side elevation view of a protective pad assembly inaccordance with the ninth exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of theuser wearing pants with the outer protective pad mounted to a leg of theuser over the pants; and

FIG. 67 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly inaccordance with the ninth exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of theuser wearing pants with the outer protective pad/outer protective capmounted to a leg of the user over the pants.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments andmethods of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, inwhich like reference characters designate like or corresponding partsthroughout the drawings. It should be noted, however, that the inventionin its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details,representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples shown anddescribed in connection with the exemplary embodiments and methods.

This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read inconnection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be consideredpart of the entire written description. In the description, relativeterms such as “inner” and “outer”, “inside” and “outside,” “horizontal”and “vertical,” “front” and “rear,” “upper” and “lower,” “top” and“bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,”“downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to theorientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure underdiscussion and to the orientation relative to a vehicle body. Theserelative terms are for convenience of description and normally are notintended to require a particular orientation. Terms concerningattachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and“interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are securedor attached to one another either directly or indirectly throughintervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments orrelationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term“operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connectionthat allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue ofthat relationship. The term “integral” (or “unitary”) relates to a partmade as a single part, or a part made of separate components fixedly(i.e., non-moveably) connected together. Additionally, the words “a”and/or “an” as used in the claims mean “at least one” and the word “two”as used in the claims means “at least two”. For the purpose of clarity,some technical material that is known in the related art has not beendescribed in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thedisclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a protective padassembly 100 configured to protect an elbow of an arm or a knee 7 of aleg 6 of a user (or wearer) from impact. The leg 6 of the user includesan upper portion (or thigh portion) 6 a and a lower portion 6 b (or calfportion) separated by the knee 7. The protective pad assembly 100comprises an inner support unit 102 in the form of a sleeve (or band)unit 102 provided to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow ofthe arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, and an outer protectiveunit 104 configured to be disposed over the sleeve unit 102 forprotecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from impact. The outerprotective unit 104 is releasably attachable to the sleeve unit 102.

The sleeve unit 102, as best shown in FIGS. 5-7B, comprises an elasticinner member 106 to be positioned adjacent to the elbow or the knee 7 ofthe user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and atleast one inner securing component 108 mounted (or coupled) to theelastic inner member 106. The inner elastic member 106 is in the form ofan elastic sleeve 106. The elastic sleeve 106 is a continuous anduninterrupted tubular part defining a closed loop structure, i.e., acurved structure, the end of which is permanently connected to thebeginning thereof.

The elastic sleeve 106 has an upper end 107 ₁ configured to bepositioned adjacent to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user,and a lower end 107 ₂ configured to be positioned further distant to andbelow the elbow or the knee 7 of the user and the upper end 107 ₁ of theelastic sleeve 106. Both the upper and lower ends 107 ₁ and 107 ₂,respectively, of the elastic sleeve 106 define continuous anduninterruptable perimeters, each forming a closed loop. Preferably, theperimeter of the upper end 107 ₁ of the elastic sleeve 106 is largerthan the perimeter of the lower end 107 ₂. Furthermore, a height H₁ ofthe elastic sleeve 106 (i.e., a distance between the upper end 107 ₁ ofthe elastic sleeve 106 and the lower end 107 ₂ thereof) is substantiallylarger that a circumference W₁ of the elastic sleeve 106 (i.e., amaximum size of the elastic sleeve 106 in the direction perpendicular tothe length of the elastic sleeve 106). According to the first exemplaryembodiment, a ratio of H₁/W₁ of the elastic sleeve 106 is between 1.5and 2.5. The elastic sleeve 106 is made of an elastic and stretchablematerial, such as 75% Polyester/25% Rubber or, alternatively,Neoprene-Cotton-Bamboo-Nylon mixture thereof. Those skilled in the artwill understand that elasticity, in physics, is the property of a solidmaterial to resist a distorting influence and to return to its originalshape and size after a force deforming it has been removed. The elasticsleeve 106 is stretchable between a relaxed state and a stretched state,so as to adjust to a specific size of the user's leg. Thus, a perimeterof the elastic sleeve 106 is adjustable.

The sleeve unit 102 includes two structurally and functionally identicalinner securing components 108, spaced from each other in the transversedirection perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X_(L) of theelastic sleeve 106. It is known that the longitudinal axis is the axisconsidered lengthwise (the axis of length, i.e., greater of twodimensions of a body), while the transverse (or lateral) axis isperpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Each of the inner securingcomponents 108 is fastened to the elastic sleeve 106. Specifically, eachof the inner securing components 108 is fastened adjacent to the upperend 107 ₁ of the elastic sleeve 106 and distant from the lower end 107₂. Each of the inner securing components 108 includes a patch 110 in theform of a piece of fabric, such as denim, and an inner securing member112 secured (or fixed) to the fabric patch 110. Alternatively, each ofthe inner securing components 108 may include only the inner securingmember 112 secured (or fixed) directly to the elastic sleeve 106, notthrough the fabric patch 110.

According the first exemplary embodiment, the inner securing member 112is an inner magnetically attractive element in the form of a recessedcup washer made of a ferromagnetic material. The recessed cup washers112 are preferably made of steel. Alternatively, the recessed cupwashers 112 may be made of a permanent magnet. Each recessed cup 112forms a recessed cavity 120 delimited by an annular flange 121, asfurther illustrated in FIG. 9.

As illustrated in FIG. 7B, a distance H₁₁ between the upper end 107 ₁ ofthe elastic sleeve 106 and a center of the inner securing member 112(i.e., a center of the recessed cup washer 112) is smaller than adistance H₁₂ between the center of the inner securing member 112 and thelower end 107 ₂ of the elastic sleeve 106. Thus, H₁=H₁₁+H₁₂. Preferably,a ratio H₁₁/H₁₂ is in a range of 0.2-0.4.

The fabric patch 110 is secured (or fixed) to the elastic sleeve 106 byironing-on (Iron-on Patch-Hot melt adhesive on one side of the patch110, the patch 110 adheres to the sleeve 106 with heat and pressure) orsewing the fabric patch 110 to the elastic sleeve 106 or a combinationthereof. The ferromagnetic recessed cup washer 112 is fastened directlyto a front surface 110 ₁ of the fabric patch 110 by a flat head screw114 and a countersunk (or tapered) retaining nut 115, as shown in FIGS.8A-8B and 9. Specifically, the ferromagnetic cup washer 112 is securedto the fabric patch 110 by the flat head screw 114 extending through acountersunk hole 113 through the ferromagnetic cup washer 112, anaperture 111 through the fabric patch 110, through a hole 117 of aspacer 116, and then through a central countersunk hole 119 in a plasticretainer washer 118. The flat head screw 114 is finally threadedlyfastened to (or tightened by) the countersunk retaining nut 115 disposedin the central countersunk hole 119 through a plastic retainer washer118 along a central axis 109 of the recessed cup washers 112.Alternately, a rivet can be used in place of the screw and nut.

The outer protective unit 104, as best shown in FIG. 6A, comprises anouter protective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee ofthe user from impact, and at least one outer securing component 124mounted to the outer protective pad 122. The outer protective pad 122 isprovided to be positioned over the elbow or the knee 7 of the user andaligned with the elbow or the knee 7 of the user. The outer protectivepad 122 is preferably made of an impact absorbing material, such as astretchable and/or flexible cushioning material, such as Ethylene-VinylAcetate (EVA). The outer protective unit 104 includes two identicalouter securing components 124 spaced from each other in the transversedirection perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L_(P) of the outerprotective pad 122. It is known that the longitudinal axis is the axisconsidered lengthwise (the axis of length, i.e., greater of twodimensions of a body), while the transverse (or lateral) axis isperpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Each of the outer securingcomponent 124 includes a rectangular outer strap member 128 moveablymounted to the outer protective pad 122, and an outer securing member130 secured (or fixed) to the outer strap member 128. Preferably, therectangular outer strap member 128 is in the form of an elastic outerstrap member.

The outer securing member 130 is an outer magnetically attractiveelement. As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, each of the outermagnetically attractive elements 130 has a central axis 131 and includesa cylindrical magnet 132 secured to the outer strap 128 through an innerwasher 134 made of a ferromagnetic material, such as steel. As bestshown in FIG. 14, the cylindrical magnet 132 is secured (or fixed) to aninner surface 129 ₁ of the outer strap 128. The outer magneticallyattractive element 132 further includes an outer retaining washer 136mounted to an outer surface 129 ₂ of the outer strap 128, opposite tothe ferromagnetic inner washer 134. The outer retaining washer 136 ispreferably made of a plastic material. The cylindrical magnet 132 issecured to the outer strap 128 by a flat head screw 138 extendingthrough a countersunk hole 137 through the outer retaining washer 136,an aperture 139 through the outer strap 128, through the inner washer134 and threadedly fastened to a countersunk retaining nut 140 disposedin a central countersunk hole 133 through the magnet 132 along thecentral axis 131. Instead, a rivet can be used in place of the screw andnut.

Alternatively, the position of the outer magnetically attractive element130 including the magnet 132 and the inner magnetically attractiveelement 108 including the ferromagnetic recessed cup 112 may beinverted. Specifically, the inner securing component 108 may be providedwith an inner magnetically attractive element including a magnet,similar to the magnetically attractive element 132, while the outerstrap 128 may be provided with an outer magnetically attractive elementincluding a ferromagnetic recessed cup, similar to the ferromagneticrecessed cup 112. It will be appreciated that both the inner securingcomponent 108 with the inner magnetically attractive elements 112 andthe outer securing component 124 with the outer magnetically attractiveelements 130 are not restricted or limited to any one design and/orform, and can be fabricated in various arrangements, pull strengths,sizes, thicknesses and shapes.

The outer strap member 128 includes a rectangular, stretchable elasticstrap 142. Those skilled in the art will understand that elasticity, inphysics, is the property of a solid material to resist a distortinginfluence and to return to its original shape and size after a forcedeforming it has been removed. A coefficient of linear elasticity of theelastic strap 142 of the exemplary embodiment of the present inventionis preferably about 1.3-3.5 lbs/inch. The rectangular outer strap member128 has a longitudinal first distal end 142 ₁ and a longitudinal seconddistal end 142 ₂, as best shown in FIGS. 12A-14. As noted above, theouter magnetically attractive element 130 with the magnet 132 isattached to the rectangular outer strap member 128 through the flat headscrew 138 and the countersunk retaining nut 140, as best shown in FIGS.13 and 14. The elastic strap 142 is folded over at the longitudinallyfirst distal end 142 ₁ as shown in FIGS. 12A-14. Layers of the foldedover longitudinal first distal end 142 ₁ of the elastic strap 142 aresewn (for example, by a sewing line 143) or otherwise fastened together,thus forming a folded over tab portion 144. Similarly, the elastic strap142 is folded over at the longitudinal second distal end 142 ₂ thereof,so that the flat head screw 138 extends through two layers of theelastic strap 142, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

As best shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, the outer protective pad 122 has aconvex outer surface 123 a and a concave inner surface 123 b. Moreover,as best shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, the outer protective pad 122 includestwo through rectangular slots 126 complementary to the outer strapmember 128.

During assembly of the outer protective unit 104, the foldedlongitudinal first distal end 142 ₁ of each of the outer strap member128 is inserted into one of the slots 126, as shown FIG. 6B, then pulledthrough to the front of the outer protective pad 122, as shown in FIG.6A. The folded over tab portion 144 at the folded longitudinal firstdistal end 142 ₁ acts as a retainer and/or stop and prevents the outerstrap member 128 from being pulled out of the slot 126 when the outerstrap member 128 is stretched and put under a load. The shape and sizeof each of the slots 126 through the outer protective pad 122 are suchas to allow the folded longitudinal first distal ends 142 ₁ of the outerstrap member 128 to be inserted and extend through each of therectangular slots 126.

In operation of the protective pad assembly 100, the user wears thesleeve unit 102 with the attached inner securing components 108,including the inner magnetically attractive elements 112, as illustratedin FIG. 5. The elastic sleeve 106 of the sleeve unit 102 is worn at thebare lower portion 6 b of the leg 6, below the knee 7 and a knee crease9, and above an ankle 8, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The elasticsleeve 106 preferably does not cover the knee 7 of the user. Having theelastic sleeve 106 between the knee 7 and ankle 8 and below the kneecrease 9 is advantageous to the user, in that when the knee is bentthere are no restrictions and/or irritations at the knee 7 and the kneecrease 9.

It should be appreciated that the sleeve unit 102 can be worn withshorts 32, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The sleeve unit 102 also can beworn on the leg 6 and concealed under the pants 2, as shown in FIGS.15-17. When the user puts the sleeve unit 102 on the leg 6 and wearsshorts 32, the outer protective unit 104 is attached directly to thesleeve unit 102 solely by magnetic attraction between the inner securingcomponents 108 of the sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components124 of the outer protective unit 104 as shown in FIG. 4. In other words,the outer protective unit 104 is attached to the sleeve unit 102 solelyby engagement forces between the inner securing components 108 of thesleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components 124 of the outerprotective unit 104.

Similarly, when the user puts the sleeve unit 102 on the bare leg 6 andconceals the sleeve unit 102 under the pants 2, as shown in FIG. 15, theouter protective unit 104 can also be concealed under the pants 2 andthus is attached directly to the sleeve unit 102 by magnetic attractionbetween the inner securing components 108 of the sleeve unit 102 and theouter securing components 124 of the outer protective unit 104, as shownin FIG. 16.

Furthermore, when the user puts the sleeve unit 102 on the bare leg 6and conceals the sleeve unit 102 under the pants 2, the outer protectiveunit 104 can be placed outside the pants 2 and can be attached to thesleeve unit 102 by magnetic attraction between the inner securingcomponents 108 of the sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components124 of the outer protective unit 104 through the pants 2, as shown inFIG. 17. Placing the outer protective unit 104 outside the pants 2 isadvantageous in that not only does it provide cushioning protection forthe user, but it also helps protect the pants 2 from dirt and debris,rips, tears and abrasions.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 18A-18C, the outer protective unit 104further comprises an outer protective cap 146. The outer protective cap146, best shown FIGS. 19-21, is a tub shaped structure made of a firmbut elastic material, such as EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate). EVA is thecopolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate, which is an extremely elasticand flexible material that can be processed like other thermoplastics.EVA has low-temperature toughness, and stress-crack and UV radiationresistance. The outer protective cap 146 has a convex outer surface 147a and a concave inner surface 147 b. The outer protective cap 146 formsa cavity defined by a central flat portion 148, opposite bearing sides149, and an integral raised bottom wall (or back lip) 150 extendinginwardly from the outer surface 147 a of the outer protective cap 146.Moreover, as best shown in FIGS. 18A-21, the outer protective cap 146includes two rectangular through slots 152 complementary to the outermembers 128. The through slots 152 of the outer protective cap 146 areconfigured to readily receive the outer members 128 of the outersecuring component 124 therethrough, as shown in FIGS. 18C, 21, 22A and22B. The outer protective cap 146 is configured to be mounted to theouter protective pad 122, as best shown in FIGS. 18A-18C.

In operation, when the outer protective pad 122, shown FIG. 18A, isinserted into the outer protective cap 146 (i.e., into the cavity formedin the outer protective cap 146 by the bearing sides 149 thereof), shownFIG. 18B, the outer protective unit 104 is formed, as shown FIG. 18C.The raised bottom wall 150 of the outer protective cap 146 acts as abottom “backstop” preventing the outer protective pad 122 from slidingout from the bottom of the outer protective cap 146 when in use.Moreover, when the outer protective cap 146 is placed over the outerprotective pad 122, the slots 152 of the outer protective cap 146 andthe slots 126 of the outer protective pad 122 align with each other.Furthermore, each of the outer members 128, which are attached to theouter protective pad 122 through the slots 126, is inserted into one ofthe through slots 152 in the outer protective cap 146 to support theouter protective cap 146 on the outer protective pad 122, thus holdingthe outer protective pad 122 and the outer protective cap 146 togetherand forming the outer protective unit 104, as shown in FIGS. 18A-18C,22A, 22B and 23A. The outer protective cap 146 provides additionalcushioning and protection for the user, and also acts as an exoskeletonfor providing rigidity, support and containment to the outer protectivepad 122, allowing the outer protective pad 122 to consistently retainits shape and form, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 16 and 17, the innermagnetically attractive elements 112 of the inner support unit 102 andthe outer magnetically attractive elements 130 of the outer protectiveunit 104 of the protective pad assembly 100 are releasably held in placedirectly or on the pants 2 solely by magnetic attraction therebetween.The outer protective unit 104 is releasably attached to the innersupport unit 102 solely by the magnetic attraction force between theouter magnetically attractive elements 130 and the inner magneticallyattractive elements 112.

With the arrangement of the magnetic securing devices of the presentinvention, the user can easily disengage the outer member 24 from thegarment 11 and reattach the outer member 24. More specifically, when theknee 7 of the user 2 is flexed, the protective pad assembly 20 will staywith the garment 11 and provide full coverage. When the user 2 is in astanding position, the protective pad assembly 20 will hang on thegarment 11, away from the user's leg 6, and allows air flow. The presentinvention allows the user 2 to comfortably wear the protective padassembly 20 and reduces, if not eliminates, the risk of blood clots andnerve damage due to the strangulation effect of straps of theconventional kneepads tightly pulled around a user's leg 6. When the jobis done, the protective pad assembly 100 is easily disengaged from theleg 6 or the pants 2 and the protective pad assembly 100 can be used thesame way another time.

When the users puts the sleeve unit 102 on the leg and wears shorts 32,the outer protective unit 104 is attached directly to the sleeve unit102 by magnetic attraction between the inner securing components 108 ofthe sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components 124 of the outerprotective unit 104, as shown in FIGS. 22A and 23A. Furthermore, whenthe users wears pants 2, the user puts the sleeve unit 102 on the bareleg 6 and conceals the sleeve unit 102 under the pants 2, and the outerprotective unit 104 is placed outside the pants 2 and is attached to thesleeve unit 102 by magnetic attraction between the inner securingcomponents 108 of the sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components124 of the outer protective unit 104 through the pants 2, as shown inFIG. 22B. Placing the outer protective unit 104 (i.e., the outerprotective pad 122/outer protective cap 146) outside the pants 2 isadvantageous in that it provides the user with added cushioningprotection, protection from hard surfaces and hard objects, and furtherhelps protect the pants 2 from dirt and debris, rips, tears andabrasions.

Thus, FIG. 23B shows the outer protective unit 104 mounted on the knee 7of the user wearing pants 2, and the first distal end 142 ₁ of the outerstrap member 128 passes through the slots 126 and 152 of the outerprotective pad 122 and holds the outer protective pad 122 and outerprotective cap 146 together. According to the first embodiment of thepresent invention, the outer members 128 of the protective unit 104 donot touch each other, i.e., do not encircle the leg 6 of the user, asbest shown in FIG. 22B.

Various modifications, changes, and alterations may be practiced withthe above-described embodiment, including but not limited to theadditional embodiments shown in FIGS. 24-67. In the interest of brevity,reference characters in FIGS. 24-67 that are discussed above inconnection with the first exemplary embodiment of in FIGS. 4-23B are notfurther elaborated upon below, except to the extent necessary or usefulto explain the additional embodiments of FIGS. 24-67. Modifiedcomponents and parts are indicated by the addition of a hundred digitsto the reference numerals of the components or parts.

In a protective pad assembly 200 of a second exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 24-33, the sleeve unit 102 is replaced by an innersupport unit 202 in the form of a sleeve unit 202. The protective padassembly 200 of FIGS. 24-33 corresponds substantially to the protectivepad assembly 100 of FIGS. 4-22B, and the sleeve unit 102, which differs,will therefore be explained in detail below.

The protective pad assembly 200 comprises an inner support unit in theform of a sleeve unit 202 provided to be positioned over the elbow ofthe arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, and the outer protectiveunit 104 configured to be disposed over the sleeve unit 202 forprotecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from the impact.Moreover, the outer protective unit 104 is releasably attachable to thesleeve unit 202.

The sleeve unit 202, as best shown in FIGS. 25-27, comprises an innerelastic member 206 provided to be positioned adjacent to the elbow orthe knee 7 of the user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee 7 of theuser, and at least one inner securing component 108 mounted (or secured)to the inner elastic member 206. The inner elastic member 206 accordingto the second exemplary embodiment is in the form of an elastic sleeve206. The sleeve unit 202 includes two identical inner securingcomponents 108 spaced from each other in the transverse directionperpendicular to the longitudinal direction X_(L) of the elastic sleeve206. Moreover, the inner elastic member 206 is structurally andfunctionally identical to the inner elastic member 106. The elasticsleeve 206 has an upper end 207 ₁ configured to be positioned above theelbow or the knee 7 of the user, and a lower end 207 ₂ configured to bepositioned below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, both definingcontinuous and uninterruptable perimeters. Moreover, the perimeter ofthe upper end 207 ₁ of the elastic sleeve 206 is larger than theperimeter of the lower end 207 ₂ thereof.

Each of the inner securing components 108 is fastened to the elasticsleeve 206. Each of the inner securing components 108 is fastened closerto the lower end 207 ₂ of the elastic sleeve 206 than to the upper end207 ₁. Each of the inner securing components 108 is configured to bepositioned adjacent to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, asbest shown in FIGS. 27 and 30.

The elastic sleeve 206 has a height H₂ (i.e., a distance between theupper end 207 ₁ of the elastic sleeve 206 and the lower end 207 ₂thereof), and a width W₂ (i.e., a maximum size of the elastic sleeve 206in the direction perpendicular to the length of the elastic sleeve 206).Furthermore, the height H₁ of the elastic sleeve 206 is substantiallylarger than a width W₂ thereof. According to the second exemplaryembodiment, a ratio of H₂/W₂ of the elastic sleeve 206 is between 1.5and 2.5. Moreover, a distance H₂₁ between the upper end 207 ₁ of theelastic sleeve 206 and a center of the inner securing member 112 (i.e.,a center of the recessed cup washer 112) is larger than a distance H₂₂between the center of the inner securing member 112 and the lower end207 ₂ of the elastic sleeve 206. Thus, H₂=H₂₁+H₂₂. Preferably, a ratioH₂₁/H₂₂ is in a range of about 0.55-0.85.

In use of the protective pad assembly 200, the user wears the sleeveunit 202 with the attached inner securing components 108 including theinner magnetically attractive element 112, as illustrated in FIG. 27.The elastic sleeve 206 of the sleeve unit 202 is worn at the bare upperand lower portions 6 a and 6 b of the leg 6, over the knee 7 and theknee crease 9, as shown in FIGS. 24-33. In this position, the upper end207 ₁ of the elastic sleeve 206 is positioned above the elbow or theknee 7 of the user, while the lower end 207 ₂ of the elastic sleeve 206is positioned below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user. Unlike theelastic sleeve 106 of the first exemplary embodiment, the elastic sleeve206 of the second exemplary embodiment covers the knee 7 of the user.

It should be appreciated that the sleeve unit 202 can be worn withshorts 32, as shown in FIGS. 27-29. The sleeve unit 202 also can be wornon the leg 6 and concealed under the pants 2 as shown in FIGS. 30-33.When the users puts the sleeve unit 202 on the leg 6 and wears shorts32, the outer protective pad unit 104 is attached directly to the sleeveunit 202 by magnetic attraction between the inner securing components108 of the sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components 124 of theouter protective pad unit 104 as shown in FIGS. 24, 28 and 29.

Similarly, when the user puts the sleeve unit 202 on the bare leg 6 andconceals the sleeve unit 202 under pants 2, as best shown in FIG. 30,the outer protective pad unit 104 can also be concealed under the pants2 and thus is attached directly to the sleeve unit 202 by magneticattraction between the inner securing components 108 of the sleeve unit102 and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective padunit 104, as shown in FIG. 31.

Furthermore, when the user puts the sleeve unit 202 on the bare leg 6and conceals the sleeve unit 202 under the pants 2, the outer protectivepad unit 104 can be placed outside the pants 2 and is attached to thesleeve unit 202 by magnetic attraction between the inner securingcomponents 108 of the sleeve unit 202 and the outer securing components124 of the outer protective pad unit 104 through the pants 2, as shownin FIGS. 32 and 33. Placing the outer protective pad unit 104 outsidethe pants 2 is advantageous in that not only does it provide cushioningprotection for the user but it also helps protect the pants 2 from dirtand debris, rips, tears and abrasions.

In a protective pad assembly 300 of a third exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 34-39, the sleeve unit 102 is replaced by an innersupport unit in the form of a band unit 302. The protective pad assembly300 of FIGS. 34-39 corresponds substantially to the protective padassembly 100 of FIGS. 4-22B, and the band unit 302, which differs, willtherefore be explained in detail below. The protective pad assembly 300of the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises aninner support unit in the form of a band unit 302 provided to bepositioned below the elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of theuser, and the outer protective unit 104 configured to be disposed overthe band unit 302 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the userfrom impact. Moreover, the outer protective unit 104 is releasablyattractable to the band unit 302.

The band unit 302, best shown in FIGS. 34, 36 and 37, comprises an innerelastic member 306 provided to be positioned adjacent to and below theelbow or the knee 7 of the user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee7 of the user, and at least one inner securing component 108 mounted (orsecured) to the inner elastic member 306. The inner elastic member 306is in the form of an elastic sleeve (or band) 306. The elastic band 306is a continuous and uninterrupted elastic tubular part defining a closedloop structure, i.e., a curved structure, the end of which ispermanently connected to the beginning thereof. The elastic band 306 hasan upper end 307 ₁ configured to be positioned adjacent to and below theelbow or the knee 7 of the user, and a lower end 307 ₂ configured to bepositioned further distant to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of theuser and the upper end 307 ₁ of the elastic band 306. Both the upper andlower ends 307 ₁ and 307 ₂, respectively, of the elastic band 306 definecontinuous and uninterruptable perimeters. Furthermore, a height H₃ ofthe elastic band 306 (i.e., a distance between the upper end 307 ₁ ofthe elastic band 306 and the lower end 307 ₂ thereof) is smaller than awidth W₃ of the elastic band 306 (i.e., a maximum size of the elasticband 306 in the direction perpendicular to the length of the elasticband 306), as best shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B. Preferably, a ratio ofH₃/W₃ of the elastic band 306 is between about 0.4 and 0.6. The elasticband 306 is made of an elastic and stretchable material. The continuouselastic band 306 covers a smaller area of the leg 6 and is worn on thebare lower portion 6 b of the leg below the knee 7.

Use of the protective pad assembly 300 is similar to the protective padassembly 100 of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Specifically, the user wears the band unit 302 with the attached innersecuring components 108 including the inner magnetically attractiveelement 112, as illustrated in FIG. 37. The elastic band 306 of the bandunit 302 is worn at the bare lower portion 6 b of the leg 6, below butadjacent to the knee 7 and the knee crease 9. The elastic band 306 doesnot cover the knee 7 of the user. It should be appreciated that the bandunit 302 can be worn with shorts 32 or pants 2. When the users puts theband unit 302 on the leg 6 and wears shorts 32, the outer protectiveunit 104 is attached directly to the band unit 302 by magneticattraction between the inner securing components 108 of the band unit302 and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective unit104 as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39.

A protective pad assembly 400 according to a fourth exemplary embodimentis illustrated in FIGS. 40-45. The protective pad assembly 400 of FIGS.40-45 corresponds substantially to the protective pad assembly 300 ofFIGS. 34-39. The primary differences between the protective pad assembly400 of the fourth exemplary embodiment and the protective pad assembly300 of the third exemplary embodiment are explained in detail below.

The protective pad assembly 400 comprises an inner support unit in theform of an adjustable inner support unit 402 provided to be positionedbelow the elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, andthe outer protective unit 104 configured to be disposed over the innersupport unit 402 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user fromthe impact. The outer protective unit 104 is releasably attractable tothe inner support unit 402.

The inner support unit 402, best shown in FIGS. 41-42, comprises anadjustable inner member 406 provided to be positioned adjacent to andbelow the elbow or the knee 7 of the user so as to encircle the elbow orthe knee 7 of the user, and at least one inner securing component 108mounted (or secured) to the adjustable inner member 406. The innermember 406 is in the form of an adjustable inner strap 406.Specifically, the adjustable inner strap 406 is in the form of arectangular (i.e., elongated) band having an upper end 407 ₁ configuredto be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of theuser, and a lower end 407 ₂ configured to be positioned further distantto and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user and the upper end 407 ₁of the adjustable inner strap 406. The adjustable inner strap 406 haslongitudinally opposite first and second free distal ends 409 ₁ and 409₂, as best shown in FIG. 42. The adjustable inner strap 406 is notcontinuous.

The adjustable inner strap 406 is made preferably from a fabric andconfigured to be worn on the lower portion 6 b of the leg 6 below theknee 7. The adjustable inner strap 406 is further configured forstrapping around the lower portion 6 b of the leg 6 so as to encirclethe lower portion 6 b of the leg 6. The longitudinal opposite freedistal ends 409 ₁ and 409 ₂ of the adjustable inner strap 406 arereleasably secured to each other by means of any suitable fasteningmeans known in the art, such as “Velcro”-type (hook and loop) fasteningmeans. Each of the distal (free) ends 409 ₁ and 409 ₂ of the inner strap406 has patches 420 ₁ and 420 ₂, respectively, of complementary hook andloop fastener elements thereon thereby defining a hook and loopconnection 420 (as best shown in FIG. 41), and releasably and adjustablyfastening the free distal ends 409 ₁ and 409 ₂ of the inner strap 406 inposition for strapping the inner support unit 402 in place on the leg 6so as to accommodate legs of different sizes and different level oftightness. It is to be understood that the particular type of releasablefastening means, such as “Velcro”-type fastening means, clips, snapconnectors, etc., is well within the knowledge of one or ordinary skillin the art and therefore will not be elaborated upon. The free distalends 409 ₁ and 409 ₂ of the inner strap 406 have fastener hooks andloops on longitudinally opposite distal ends 409 ₁ and 409 ₂ thereof toadjust and fasten a length of the adjustable inner strap 406. The firstdistal end 409 ₁ of the inner strap 406 has a patch 420 ₁ provided withfastener hooks, while the second distal end 409 ₂ of the inner strap 406has a patch 420 ₂ provided with complementary loops, or vice versa, usedto adjust and fasten the length of the adjustable inner strap 406. Thedistal ends 409 ₁ and 409 ₂ of the adjustable inner strap 406 are thusreleasably connectable to each other. The adjustable inner strap 406 isswitchable between a closed position (shown in FIG. 41) when the distalends 409 ₁ and 409 ₂ of the adjustable inner strap 406 are fastened toeach other, and an open position (shown in FIG. 42) when the distal ends409 ₁ and 409 ₂ of the adjustable inner strap 406 are separated (orspaced, not fastened) from each other.

The inner support unit 402 further includes the inner securing component108 with the steel cup washers 112 mounted (or secured) to theadjustable inner strap 406. All other salient characteristics, securingdevices and attaching assemblies and methods for the adjustable innersupport unit 402 are identical to the band unit 302 as defined in thethird embodiment of the present invention.

In use of the protective pad assembly 400, the user puts on the innersupport unit 402 with the attached inner securing components 108 bywrapping the sleeve 406 of the inner support unit 402 around lowerportion 6 b of the leg 6, below the knee 7 and a knee crease 9, andabove the ankle 8. The sleeve 406 may be worn over the bare leg 6 asshown in FIG. 40, or over pants 2 as shown in FIGS. 43-45, or underpants 2. The adjustable inner strap 406 is wrapped around lower portion6 b of the leg 6 so that the patches 420 ₁ and 420 ₂ face each other.The free distal ends 409 ₁ and 409 ₂ of the adjustable strap 406 areremovably secured to one another by engaging the fastener hooks andloops on the patches 420 ₁ and 420 ₂ so as to adjust the strap 406 tospecific size of the wearer's leg. When the users put the inner supportunit 402 on the leg 6 and wears shorts 32, the outer protective unit 104is attached directly to the inner support unit 402 by magneticattraction between the inner securing components 408 of the innersupport unit 402 and the outer securing components 124 of the outerprotective unit 104 as shown in FIGS. 44 and 45.

An advantage of the inner support unit 402 is that it is adjustable andcan fit many applications, and can be secured not only to the bare skinas shown FIG. 40, but also can be attached to the leg 6 outside of thegarment (pants) 2 as shown FIGS. 43-45. The adjustable inner supportunit 402 is placed outside of the pants 2 just below the knee 7 andfrictionally secured to the pants 2 and the leg 6 with the hook and loopconnection 408. FIG. 44 shows the outer protective pad 122 placedoutside the pants 2 and attached directly to the inner support unit 402.FIG. 45 shows the outer protective cap 146 mounted to the outerprotective pad 122 and both placed outside the pants 2 and attacheddirectly to the inner support unit 402.

A protective pad assembly 500 according to a fifth exemplary embodimentis illustrated in FIGS. 46-51B. The protective pad assembly 500 of FIGS.46-51B corresponds substantially to the protective pad assembly 400 ofFIGS. 40-45. The primary differences between the protective pad assembly500 of the fifth exemplary embodiment and the protective pad assembly400 of the fourth exemplary embodiment are explained in detail below.

The protective pad assembly 500 comprises an inner support unit in theform of an adjustable inner support unit 502 provided to be positionedbelow the elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, andan outer protective unit 504 configured to be disposed over the innersupport unit 502 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user fromthe impact. The outer protective unit 504 is releasably attachable tothe inner support unit 502.

The inner support unit 502, best shown in FIGS. 48-49, comprises anadjustable inner member 506 provided to be positioned adjacent to andbelow the elbow or the knee 7 of the user so as to encircle the elbow orthe knee 7 of the user, and at least one inner securing component 508mounted (or secured) to the adjustable inner member 506. The innermember 506 is in the form of an adjustable inner strap 506. Theadjustable inner strap 506 is in the form of a rectangular (i.e.,elongated) strap having an upper end 507 ₁ configured to be positionedadjacent to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and a lowerend 507 ₂ configured to be positioned further distant to and below theelbow or the knee 7 of the user and the upper end 507 ₁ of theadjustable inner strap 506. Moreover, the adjustable inner strap 506 haslongitudinally opposite first and second free distal ends 509 ₁ and 509₂, as best shown in FIG. 49. The adjustable inner strap 506 is notcontinuous.

The adjustable inner strap 506 is made preferably from a fabric, andconfigured to be worn on the lower portion 6 b of the leg 6 below theknee 7, as best shown in FIG. 47. The adjustable inner strap 506 isfurther configured for strapping around the lower portion 6 b of the leg6 so as to encircle the lower portion 6 b of the leg 6. The longitudinalfree distal ends 509 ₁ and 509 ₂ of the inner strap 506 are releasablysecured to each other by means of suitable fastening means known in theart, such as “Velcro”-type fastening means. Each of the distal (free)ends 509 ₁ and 509 ₂ of the inner strap 506 has patches 520 ₁ and 520 ₂,respectively, of complementary hook and loop fastener elements defininga hook and loop connection 520 (as best shown in FIG. 48) for releasablyand adjustably fastening the free distal ends 509 ₁ and 509 ₂ of theinner strap 506 in position for strapping the inner support unit 502 inplace on the leg 6 so as to accommodate legs of different sizes anddifferent level of tightness. It is to be understood that the particulartype of releasable fastening means, such as “Velcro”-type fasteningmeans, clips, snap connectors, etc., is well within the knowledge of oneor ordinary skill in the art and therefore will not be elaborated. Thefree distal ends 509 ₁ and 509 ₂ of the inner strap 506 have fastenerhooks and loops on longitudinal opposite distal ends 509 ₁ and 509 ₂ toadjust and fasten a length of the adjustable inner strap 506. The firstdistal end 509 ₁ of the inner strap 506 has a patch 520 ₁ provided withfastener hooks, while the second distal end 509 ₂ of the inner strap 506has a patch 520 ₂ provided with complementary loops, or vice versa, usedto adjust and fasten the length of the adjustable inner strap 506.

The inner support unit 502 includes two structurally and functionallyidentical inner securing components 508 spaced from each other in thetransverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X_(L)of the adjustable inner strap 506. Moreover, each of the inner securingcomponents 508 is secured (or fastened) to the inner strap 506. Each ofthe inner securing components 508 is fastened adjacent to the freedistal ends 509 ₁ and 509 ₂ of the inner strap 506. Each of the innersecuring components 508 includes a suitable fastening means known in theart, such as “Velcro”-type fastening means including complementary hookand loop fastener elements for releasably and adjustably fastening thefree distal ends 509 ₁ and 509 ₂ of the inner strap 506 in position forstrapping the inner support unit 502 in place on the leg 6 so as toaccommodate the legs of different sizes and different levels oftightness. It is to be understood that the particular type of releasablefastening means, such as “Velcro”-type fastening means, clips, snapconnectors, etc., is well within the knowledge of one or ordinary skillin the art and therefore will not be elaborated. Specifically, each ofthe inner securing components 508 includes an inner securing member 510is in the form of a patch provided with fastener hooks or loops, such asof “Velcro”-type.

The outer protective unit 504, best shown in FIG. 50, comprises an outerprotective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee of theuser from impact, and at least one outer securing component 524 mountedto the outer protective pad 122. The outer protective pad 122 isprovided to be positioned over the elbow or the knee 7 of the user andaligned with the elbow or the knee 7 of the user. The outer protectiveunit 504 includes two identical outer securing components 524 spacedfrom each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction L_(P) of the outer protective pad 122. Each ofthe outer securing component 524 includes the rectangular outer strapmember 128, and an outer securing member 530 secured (or fixed) to theouter strap member 128.

Each of the outer securing members 530 is in the form of a patchprovided with fastener hooks or loops, such as of “Velcro”-type. As bestshown in FIGS. 51A and 51B, the patch 510 of the inner securingcomponents 508 is secured (or fixed) to an inner surface 129 ₁ of theouter strap member 128, which is opposite to an outer surface 129 ₂thereof. The outer securing members 530 of the outer securing components524 are complementary to the inner securing member 510 of the innersecuring components 508, as best shown in FIGS. 50-51B. Specifically,the patch 510 of the inner securing components 508 is provided withfastener hooks, while the patch 530 of the outer securing components 524is provided with complementary loops, or vice versa, used to secure theouter protective pad 122 to the inner support unit 502.

In use of the protective pad assembly 500, the user puts on the innersupport unit 502 with the attached inner securing components 508 bywrapping the inner strap 506 of the inner support unit 502 around lowerportion 6 b of the leg 6, below the knee 7 and a knee crease 9, andabove ankle 8. The inner strap 506 is wrapped around lower portion 6 bof the leg 6 so that the patches 520 ₁ and 520 ₂ face each other. Then,the free distal ends 509 ₁ and 509 ₂ of the inner strap 506 areremovably secured to one another by engaging the fastener hooks andloops on the patches 520 ₁ and 520 ₂. When the users puts the innersupport unit 502 on the leg 6 and wears shorts 32 (see FIG. 47) or pants2 (see FIG. 46), the outer protective unit 104 is attached directly tothe inner support unit 502 by a hook and loop connection between theinner securing component 508 of the inner support unit 502 and the outersecuring component 524 of the outer protective unit 504 as shown inFIGS. 46, 47 and 50.

All other salient characteristics, securing devices and attachingassemblies and methods for the adjustable inner support unit 502 areidentical to the strap unit 402 as defined in the third embodiment ofthe present invention.

An advantage of the inner support unit 502 is that it is adjustable andcan fit many applications and can be secured not only to the bare skinas shown FIG. 47, but also can be attached to the leg 6 outside of thegarment (pants) 2 as shown FIG. 46. The adjustable inner support unit502 is placed outside of the pants 2 just below the knee 7 andfrictionally secured to the pants 2 and the leg 6 with the hook and loopconnection 520. FIG. 46 shows the outer protective unit 504 placedoutside the pants 2 and attached directly to the inner support unit 502.FIG. 46 shows the outer protective cap 146 mounted to the outerprotective pad 122 and both placed outside the pants 2 and attacheddirectly to the inner support unit 502.

A protective pad assembly 600 according to a sixth exemplary embodimentis illustrated in FIGS. 52-56B. The protective pad assembly 600 of FIGS.52-56B corresponds substantially to the protective pad assemblies 100and 200 of FIGS. 5-33. The primary differences between the protectivepad assembly 600 of the sixth exemplary embodiment and the protectivepad assemblies 100 and 200 of the first and second exemplary embodimentsare explained in detail below.

The protective pad assembly 600 comprises an inner support unit in theform of an inner support unit 602 provided to be positioned adjacent toand below the elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user,as best shown in FIG. 52, and an outer protective unit 604 (best shownin FIG. 55) configured to be disposed over the inner support unit 602for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from the impact.Alternatively, the inner support unit 602 may be replaced by an innersupport unit 602′ provided to be positioned over the elbow of the arm orthe knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, as best shown in FIG. 53. The outerprotective unit 604 is releasably attachable to the inner support unit602 or 602′.

The inner support unit 602 (or 602′), best shown in FIGS. 52 and 53,comprises an inner elastic member 106, provided to be positionedadjacent to the elbow or the knee 7 or over the elbow of the arm or theknee 7 of the leg 6 of the user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee7 of the user, and at least one inner securing component 608 mounted (orsecured) to the inner elastic member 106. The inner elastic member 106according to the sixth exemplary embodiment is in the form of an elasticsleeve 106.

According to the sixth exemplary embodiment, the sleeve unit 102includes two structurally and functionally identical inner securingcomponents 608 spaced from each other in the transverse direction.Moreover, each of the inner securing components 608 is fastened to theelastic sleeve 106. Each of the inner securing components 608 includes apatch 610 in the form of a piece of fabric, and an inner securing member612 secured (or fixed) to the fabric patch 610. Alternatively, each ofthe inner securing components 608 may include only the inner securingmember 612 secured (or fixed) directly to the elastic sleeve 106, notthrough the fabric patch 610.

According the sixth exemplary embodiment, the inner securing member 612is a female snap member secured directly to a front surface 610 ₁ of thefabric patch 610 opposite to a rear surface 610 ₂ thereof as best shownin FIGS. 54A and 54B.

The outer protective unit 604, as best shown in FIG. 55, comprises anouter protective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee ofthe user from impact, and at least one outer securing component 624mounted to the outer protective pad 122. The outer protective pad 122 isprovided to be positioned over the elbow or the knee 7 of the user andaligned with the elbow or the knee 7 of the user. According to the sixthexemplary embodiment, the outer protective unit 604 includes twoidentical outer securing components 624 spaced from each other in thetransverse direction of the outer protective pad 122. Each of the outersecuring components 624 includes the rectangular outer strap member 128,and an outer securing member 630 secured (or fixed) to the outer strapmember 128. The outer securing member 630 is preferably a male snapmember secured directly to an inner surface 129 ₁ of the outer strapmember 128 opposite to an outer surface 129 ₂ thereof as best shown inFIG. 56A and 56B. The male snap member 630 is complementary to thefemale snap member 612.

Preferably, the female snap member 612 is sewn directly to the frontsurface 610 ₁ of the fabric patch 610, while the male snap member 630 issewn directly to the front surface 129 ₁ of the outer strap member 128,as best shown in FIGS. 54A, 56A and 57A. Alternatively, the female snapmember 612 is mechanically fastened to the front surface 610 ₁ of thefabric patch 610, while the male snap member 630 is mechanicallyfastened to the front surface 129 ₁ of the outer strap member 128.Preferably, the female snap member 612 and a backing plate 613 of thefemale snap member 612 are crimped together onto the fabric patch 610from opposing surfaces thereof, while the male snap member 630 and abacking plate 631 of the male snap member 630 are crimped together fromopposing sides onto the outer strap member 128, as best shown in FIGS.57B.

FIGS. 58-60 illustrate an outer protective unit 704 according to aseventh exemplary embodiment. The outer protective unit 704 of FIGS.58-60 corresponds substantially to the outer protective unit 104 of thefirst exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4, 6A, 6B, 11A-11C, 12A, 12B,13, 14, 18A-18C, 19, 20, 21, and 22A-23B. The primary differencesbetween the outer protective unit 704 of the seventh exemplaryembodiment and the outer protective unit 104 of the first exemplaryembodiment are explained in detail below.

The outer protective unit 704 of the seventh exemplary embodiment can beutilized in conjunction with (i.e., be releasably attachable to) theinner support unit 102, 202, 302 or 402 of any of the first to fourthembodiments of the present invention. The outer protective unit 704 ofthe seventh exemplary embodiment is configured to be disposed over theinner support unit 102, 202, 302 or 402 for protecting the elbow or theknee 7 of the user from the impact.

The outer protective unit 704, best shown in FIG. 58, comprises an outerprotective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee of theuser from impact, and two identical outer securing components 724 spacedfrom each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction L_(P) of the outer protective pad 122. Moreover,the outer securing components 724 are mounted to the outer protectivepad 122. The outer protective pad 122 is provided to be positioned overthe elbow or the knee 7 of the user and aligned with the elbow or theknee 7 of the user. The outer protective pad 122 is preferably made ofan impact absorbing material, such as a stretchable and/or flexiblecushioning material, such as Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA).

Each of the outer securing components 724 includes an adjustable outermember 728, and an outer securing member 130 secured (or fixed) to theadjustable outer member 728. The adjustable outer member 728 includes arectangular adjustable outer strap (or band) 742 and an adjusting buckle744, as best shown in FIGS. 59A, 59B and 60. The adjusting buckle 744has a stationary center bar 754, two outer bars 755 and two slots 756therebetween that allow the outer strap 742 to be fed therethrough toallow adjusting the length of the outer strap 742 as well known in theart. The cylindrical magnet 132 of the outer securing member 130 issecured to an inner surface 743 ₁ of the outer strap 742 through theferromagnetic inner washer 134, while an outer retaining washer 136 ismounted to an outer surface 743 ₂ of the outer strap 742, opposite tothe inner washer 134.

FIGS. 61-63 illustrate an outer protective unit 804 according to aneighth exemplary embodiment. The outer protective unit 804 of FIGS.61-63 corresponds substantially to the outer protective unit 704 of theseventh exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 58-60. The primarydifferences between the outer protective unit 804 of the eighthexemplary embodiment and the outer protective unit 704 of the seventhexemplary embodiment are explained in detail below.

The outer protective unit 804 can be utilized in conjunction with (i.e.,be releasably attachable to) the inner support unit 102, 202, 302 or 402of any of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention. Theouter protective unit 804 is configured to be disposed over the innersupport unit 102, 202, 302 or 402 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7of the user from the impact.

The outer protective unit 804, best shown in FIG. 61, comprises an outerprotective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee of theuser from impact, and two identical outer securing components 824 spacedfrom each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction L_(P) of the outer protective pad 122. Moreover,the outer securing components 824 are mounted to the outer protectivepad 122. The outer protective pad 122 is provided to be positioned overthe elbow or the knee 7 of the user and aligned with the elbow or theknee 7 of the user.

Each of the outer securing component 824 includes an adjustable outermember 828, and an outer securing member 130 secured (or fixed) to theadjustable outer member 828. The adjustable outer member 828 includes arectangular adjustable outer strap (or band) 842 and an adjustingsliding (or moveable) bar buckle 844, as best shown in FIGS. 62A, 62Band 63. The sliding bar buckle 844 includes a rectangular frame member845 having two outer bars 855, and a sliding (or moveable) center bar854 mounted to the frame member 845 between the outer bars 855 so as todefine two slots 856 therebetween, as best shown in FIG. 63.Specifically, the sliding center bar 854 is loosely mounted to the framemember 845 between the outer bars 855 for sliding movement therein, sothat the sliding center bar 854 is movable toward and away from theouter bars 855. The two slots 856 allow the outer strap 842 to be fedtherethrough to allow adjusting the length of the outer strap 842 aswell known in the art. The cylindrical magnet 132 of the outer securingmember 130 is secured to an inner surface 843 ₁ of the outer strap 842through the ferromagnetic inner washer 134, while an outer retainingwasher 136 is mounted to an outer surface 843 ₂ of the outer strap 842,opposite to the inner washer 134.

A protective pad assembly 900 according to a ninth exemplary embodimentis illustrated in FIGS. 64-67. The protective pad assembly 900 of FIGS.64-67 corresponds substantially to the protective pad assemblies 400 and500 of FIGS. 40-50. The primary differences between the protective padassembly 900 of the ninth exemplary embodiment and the protective padassemblies 400 and 500 of the fourth and fifth exemplary embodiments areexplained in detail below.

The protective pad assembly 900 comprises an inner support unit in theform of a band unit 902 provided to be positioned adjacent to and belowthe elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, as bestshown in FIGS. 65-67, and an outer protective unit 904 (best shown inFIGS. 64, 66 and 67) configured to be disposed over the band unit 902for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from the impact. Theouter protective unit 904 is releasably attachable to the band unit 902.

The band unit 902, as best shown in FIGS. 65-67, comprises an adjustableinner member 906 provided to be positioned adjacent to and below theelbow or the knee 7 of the user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee7 of the user, and at least one inner securing component 908 mounted (orsecured) to the adjustable inner member 906. The inner member 906according to the ninth exemplary embodiment is in the form of anadjustable band 906. The adjustable band 906 is in the form of arectangular (i.e., elongated) band similar to the adjustable band 406 ofthe fourth exemplary embodiment.

Similar to the adjustable band 406, the adjustable band 906 is madepreferably from a fabric and configured to be worn on the lower portion6 b of the leg 6 below the knee 7. The adjustable band 906 is furtherconfigured for strapping around the lower portion 6 b of the leg 6 so asto encircle the lower portion 6 b of the leg 6. The longitudinal freedistal ends of the adjustable band 906 are releasably secured to eachother by means of a suitable fastening means known in the art, such as“Velcro”-type fastening means, in which each of the distal (free) endsof the band 906 has patches of complementary hook and loop fastenerelements thereon thereby defining a hook and loop connection 920 (asbest shown in FIG. 65) and releasably and adjustably fastening the freedistal ends of the band 906 in position for strapping the band unit 902in place on the leg 6 so as to accommodate the legs of different sizesand different levels of tightness. It is to be understood that theparticular type of releasable fastening means, such as “Velcro”-typefastening means, clips, snap connectors, etc., is well within theknowledge of one or ordinary skill in the art and therefore will not beelaborated. Preferably the free distal ends of the band 906 havefastener hooks and loops on longitudinally opposite distal ends thereofused to adjust and fasten a length of the adjustable band 906.

The band unit 902 further includes two inner securing component 908,each in the form of a side release (or quick release) female buckle 908,as best shown in FIG. 65. All other salient characteristics, securingdevices and attaching assemblies and methods for the adjustable bandunit 902 are identical to the band unit 402 as defined in the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

The outer protective unit 904, best shown in FIG. 64, comprises an outerprotective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee of theuser from impact, and two identical outer securing components 924 spacedfrom each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction L_(P) of the outer protective pad 122. Moreover,the outer securing components 924 are mounted to the outer protectivepad 122. The outer protective pad 122 is provided to be positioned overthe elbow or the knee 7 of the user and aligned with the elbow or theknee 7 of the user.

Each of the outer securing component 924 includes an adjustable outermember 928, and an outer securing member 930 secured (or fixed) to theadjustable outer member 928. The adjustable outer member 928 includes arectangular adjustable outer strap (or band) 942 and an adjustingsliding (or moveable) bar buckle 844, as best shown in FIG. 64, foradjusting a length of the outer strap 942 as well known in the art. Theouter securing member 930 is in the form of a side release (or quickrelease) male buckle 930, as best shown in FIG. 64. The side releasemale buckle 930 is secured to a distal end of the outer strap 942 of theadjustable outer member 928.

The side release male buckle 930 of the outer protective unit 904engages the side release female buckle 908 of the adjustable band unit902 to complete the attachment of the outer protective pad 122 to theadjustable inner member 906, and the adjusting sliding bar buckle 844facilitates the tension. FIG. 66 shows the adjustable inner member 906attached to the outside of pants 2 and shows the outer protective pad122 attached to the adjustable inner member 906 of the band unit 902.FIG. 67 shows the adjustable inner member 906 attached to the outside ofpants 2 and shows the outer protective pad 122/outer protective cap 146assembly attached to the adjustable inner member 906 of the band unit902.

The protective pad assembly in accordance with the present inventionmakes the wearing of protective pad assemblies more comfortable andminimizes the risk of blood clots and nerve damage due to thestrangulation effect of straps tightly pulled around user's limb.

It will be appreciated that both the inner securing components and theouter securing components are not restricted or limited to any onedesign and/or form, and can be fabricated in various arrangements, pullstrengths, sizes, thicknesses and shapes such as speared shaped, round,rectangular, square, and oval. For example, according to furthervariations of the first and other exemplary embodiments disclosedherein, the securing devices with male and female members thatreleasably mechanically mate with one another may be embodied as anadjustable tension catch device, a knuckle catch device, a roller catchdevice, a spring button catch device, a combination thereof, and otherreleasably mechanically mating members of securing devices, disclosed,for example, in U.S. Patent Publication. No. 2017/0065007, herebyincorporated in its entirety by reference herein. In other words, thesecuring components described in the sixth exemplary embodiment areconfigured to mechanically mate.

While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are describedwith the reference to the knee pad assembly, it will be appreciated thatthe present invention is equally applicable to other variations andalternative embodiments of the present invention, such as an elbow padassembly for releasably attaching to a garment, such as shirt or jacket(not shown). The materials used in construction of the protective padassembly according to the present invention may include a variety ofcompositions consistent with the function of the invention.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the presentinvention has been presented for the purpose of illustration inaccordance with the provisions of the Patent Statutes. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. The embodiments disclosed hereinabove were chosen in order tobest illustrate the principles of the present invention and itspractical application to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in theart to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and withvarious modifications as suited to the particular use contemplated, aslong as the principles described herein are followed. This applicationis therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations ofthe invention using its general principles. Further, this application isintended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as comewithin known or customary practice in the art to which this inventionpertains. Thus, changes can be made in the above-described inventionwithout departing from the intent and scope thereof. It is also intendedthat the scope of the present invention be defined by the claimsappended thereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective pad assembly for removablypositioning on an arm or a leg of a user of the protective pad assemblyfor protecting an elbow or a knee of the user, the protective padassembly comprising: an inner member adapted to be positioned adjacentthe elbow or the knee of the user so as to encircle the arm or the legof the user; at least one inner securing component mounted to the innermember; an outer protective pad adapted to be positioned over the elbowor the knee of the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee of theuser, the outer protective pad configured to be disposed over the innermember; and at least one outer securing component mounted to the outerprotective pad; the at least one outer securing component beingreleasably attachable to the at least one inner securing component. 2.The protective pad assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the at leastone inner securing component includes two inner securing components eachmounted to the inner member, wherein the at least one outer securingcomponent includes two outer securing components each mounted to theouter protective pad, and wherein each of the outer securing componentsis releasably attachable to one of the inner securing components.
 3. Theprotective pad assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein each of the innersecuring components includes an inner securing member, and wherein eachof the outer securing components includes an outer strap member mountedto the outer protective pad and an outer securing member secured to theouter strap member.
 4. The protective pad assembly as defined in claim3, wherein the inner securing member is an inner magnetically attractiveelement, wherein the outer securing member is an outer magneticallyattractive element, and wherein the outer magnetically attractiveelements and the inner magnetically attractive elements are magneticallyattachable to each other.
 5. The protective pad assembly as defined inclaim 4, wherein one of the inner magnetically attractive elements andthe outer magnetically attractive elements includes a magnet formagnetically attaching the inner and outer securing members together. 6.The protective pad assembly as defined in claim 5, wherein the other oneof the inner magnetically attractive elements and the outer magneticallyattractive elements includes a magnet.
 7. The protective pad assembly asdefined in claim 5, wherein the other one of the inner magneticallyattractive elements and the outer magnetically attractive elements areferromagnetic and are not magnets.
 8. The protective pad assembly asdefined in claim 3, wherein each of the inner securing members includesfastener hooks or loops, wherein each of the outer securing membersincludes complementary fastener hooks or loops, and wherein the hooks orloops of the outer securing members are releasably attachable to thecomplementary hooks or loops of the inner securing members.
 9. Theprotective pad assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein each of the innersecuring members includes one of a female snap member and a male snapmember, wherein each of the outer securing members includescomplementary one of the male snap member and the female snap member,and wherein the one of the male snap member and the female snap memberof the outer securing members are releasably attachable to thecomplementary one of the female snap member and the male snap member ofthe inner securing members.
 10. The protective pad assembly as definedin claim 1, wherein the inner member is an elastic inner member.
 11. Theprotective pad assembly as defined in claim 10, wherein the elasticinner member is an elastic sleeve having a height greater than a widththereof.
 12. The protective pad assembly as defined in claim 11, whereinthe elastic sleeve is configured to be positioned below the elbow or theknee of the user.
 13. The protective pad assembly as defined in claim11, wherein the elastic sleeve is configured to be positioned over theelbow or the knee of the user.
 14. The protective pad assembly asdefined in claim 10, wherein the elastic inner member is an elastic bandhaving a height lesser than a width thereof, and wherein the elasticband is configured to be positioned below the elbow or the knee of theuser.
 15. The protective pad assembly as defined in claim 3, whereineach of the outer strap members includes an adjustable outer strap andan adjusting buckle including a stationary center bar, two outer barsand two slots therebetween, and wherein the adjusting buckle isconfigured to feed the outer strap through the slots thereof to allowadjusting a length of the outer strap.
 16. The protective pad assemblyas defined in claim 3, wherein each of the outer strap members includesan adjustable outer strap and a sliding bar buckle including a framemember having two outer bars and a sliding center bar mounted to theframe member between the outer bars so as to define two slotstherebetween, and wherein the sliding bar buckle is configured to allowthe outer strap to be fed through the slots to allow adjusting a lengthof the outer strap.
 17. The protective pad assembly as defined in claim3, wherein each of the inner securing members is one of a side releasemale buckle and a side release female buckle, wherein each of the outersecuring members includes complementary one of the side release malebuckle and the side release female buckle, and wherein the one of theside release male buckle and the side release female buckle of the outersecuring members are releasably attachable to the complementary one ofthe side release female buckle and the side release female buckle of theinner securing members.
 18. The protective pad assembly as defined inclaim 1, wherein the inner member is an adjustable band havinglongitudinally opposite distal ends releasably attachable to one anotherwhen the adjustable band encircles the arm or the leg of the user. 19.The protective pad assembly as defined in claim 18, wherein thelongitudinally opposite distal ends of the adjustable band arereleasably secured to each other by a hook and loop connection.
 20. Theprotective pad assembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising anouter protective cap configured to be mounted to the outer protectivepad.
 21. A method for protecting an elbow or a knee of a user, themethod comprising the steps of: placing an inner member of a protectivepad assembly adjacent the elbow or the knee of the user so as toencircle an arm or a leg of the user, the protective pad assemblyincluding at least one inner securing component mounted to the innermember; placing an outer protective pad of the protective pad assemblyover the inner member and over the elbow or the knee of the user so asto align the outer protective pad with the elbow or the knee of theuser, the protective pad assembly including at least one outer securingcomponent mounted to the outer protective pad; and engaging the at leastone outer securing component with the at least one inner securingcomponent; the at least one outer securing component being releasablyattachable to the at least one inner securing component.